Why is Rome an eternal city?

In order to finally understand why Rome is called an eternal city, it is necessary not just to visit it in transit, but to spend at least a few days full of excursions. In the modern municipality, ancient antiquity and high-tech present are intertwined and bound together in an amazing way.

Contrasts of the centuries

Take at least the remains of the walls of the Imperial Baths, which literally crowd the pompous facade of the main railway station of the metropolis. The station was built in the middle of the 20th century, and the baths functioned during the reign of Diocletian.

Behind the Colosseum, which bewitches with its greatness and silence, motorcycles and cars sweep with a growl and whistle. And in the place where the stadium was located in ancient times, today, with the din and screaming, driving a football, urban boys play.

That's why Rome is called the eternal city of history and philosophy. After all, there are plenty of contrasts here. The ancient capital continues to live, but already in the guise of a dynamic metropolis. This does not hinder him today, but, on the contrary, brings to his life a fraction of the authentic color.

The Lonely Clock

The Italian morning is awakened to the measured chime of church bells, which is heard from everywhere. The cathedrals in Rome are hundreds. After half an hour, they are joined by single cars and single passers-by, hurrying about their business. The eternal city of Rome and its inhabitants wake up today under the cacophony of car horns, the hubbub of unfamiliar adverbs and the spicy aroma of coffee.

The first pedestrians on the pavement are cleaners and janitors. Scrupulously and carefully, they collect the "legacy" of the past day into huge sacks and carts. One after another, cafes and eateries begin their work, the tables of which freeze in anticipation of the guests.

Ancient genius

They say that time erases everything, but then it's forgotten. And this is one of the reasons why Rome was called in ancient times an eternal city. On its streets and squares all epochs are recorded, which are forever inscribed in the historical chronicle. Ancient ruins in it alternate with luxurious palazzos erected during the Renaissance. Baroque palaces and baroque ensembles are replaced by bulky buildings built at the very beginning of the 20th century.

For example, the monument to Emmanuel II, erected in the central square by our contemporaries, adjoins the architectural composition of the Capitol.

Trying to match the master of Michelangelo, the Italian architects not only did not exceed the legend, but, on the contrary, once again stressed his genius. The monument to the ruler who united the country was too cumbersome and massive. Against this backdrop, the palace buildings of Capitol Hill look elegant and miniature.

The special visual effect of the scale of the ensemble of Michelangelo has not been achieved due to the physical dimensions of his brainchild, but thanks to a well thought out layout. If you look at the composition from a bird's eye view, it becomes obvious that all elements form a trapezoid, based on the complex of senators. Is not it amazing? That's why Rome is called the eternal city!

Realities and contradictions

Located in the heart of the Capitol Square, the monument to Marcus Aurelius enthralls himself with rapturous looks. Because of the special landscape of the area, it is located on a hill, which is complemented by a platform. Nearby extends and the current municipality, under the windows of which every now and then gather protesters against an unjust policy on housing and communal services. Many of them break tents and spend on stone pavement weeks. Is the question of why Rome is an eternal city, still open?

In order to see the Roman Forum properly, the Senatorial complex should be rounded. At one time it played the role of the main square, on which citizens of ancient Rome crowded. Political speeches were held on it, old acquaintances met, brisk trade was conducted. Till now inhabitants of a modern municipality feel genuine pride, looking at surrounding Basilica and temples, arches and statues.

At the origins

Quarters extending down from the Capitol Hill represent a vast territory on which the breath of ancient ages is felt to this day. It is full of ruins of columns, generously decorated with intricate plaster of plaster and balusters.

Immediately visible are the outlines of porticoes and thick walls. Many of them in the eternal city of Rome are almost destroyed, but there are others who have not lost their original appearance. This is a triumphal arch, the date of construction of which refers to the III century BC. It was erected in honor of the numerous victorious campaigns of Septimius Severus.

Hills and Uplands

Relatively good looks and the colonnade of the forum Troyan. It symbolizes the unconditional victory of the Romans over the disobedient dacians. Its height reaches forty meters. It consists of eighteen blocks, each of which is made of snow-white marble. Together they are united by a massive stone belt, decorated with frescoes. These pictures illustrate the life of people of those times. The urn with the ashes of Troyan is kept at the foot of the colonnade, decorated with a statue of the Apostle Peter.

Palatine Hill is another attraction of Rome. On its heights are located the ruins of the therms and palace complexes, which once belonged to the reigning people. To decorate their interior decoration, the best painters and masters of mosaic masonry were invited. Part of the ruins that are in this part of the megalopolis have yet to be studied by historians and archaeologists. This is why Rome is an eternal city and will remain forever.

Rome in Figures and Facts

The date of foundation of the ancient settlement is considered to be the fifties of the VIII century BC. The first buildings appeared on the left bank of the full-flowing river Tiber. Despite its status, this settlement can not be considered the oldest in the world. In fact, the eternal city of Rome - a youth, if you compare it with the municipalities that emerged in the Middle East.

The birthday of the city is April 21. On this date are the most magnificent festivities. The authorities organize gladiatorial fights, conduct stylized processions and parades. The colorful fireworks complete the celebrations.

The eternal city of Rome is unique not only because of its ancient architecture. He is the only megapolis on the Earth, in whose territory an independent state is located. The Vatican is a typical monarchy, which has all the necessary regalia: a flag, a coat of arms, a hymn. There is a regular army, an academy, a radio station and a television tower. Its own railway branch operates.

The largest church in the world is located in the Vatican. This is St. Peter's Basilica. Its height is about 140 meters, and the capacity is 60 thousand believers. To her erection, the hands of Carlo Maderno, Michelangelo and Raphael.

Revived history

The true name of the Colosseum is the Flavian Amphitheater. The present name adopted in Rome, the eternal city, he owes his colossal nature. After all, the word "coliseum" in Latin means "gigantic". The height of the walls of the structure is 50 meters, and the total length is 524. The ingenious layout of the building allows for the simultaneous storage of up to fifty thousand visitors who will be able to leave its walls in just five minutes.

At the moment, tourists and residents can visit the Colosseum by buying a ticket at the ticket office of the museum. In the old days, the entrance was free. The first musician, who was allowed to perform in the antique arena, was the former soloist of the band Beatles. Four hundred contra-brands were sold for his concert.

In the middle of December, the eternal city of Rome and its inhabitants plunged into a festival dedicated to the fertility god. This was one of the most important events in the life of citizens. Saturnalia took several days and was famous for the fact that slaves were given a short but long-awaited rest. In addition, they were allowed to the master's table. And they also had the opportunity to criticize their owners impudently.

Nouristic Rome

The eternal city of Rome is capable of presenting a whole series of surprises to an ignorant tourist, which can be at least unpleasant. Luring the travelers with the impeccable decor and splendor of the ancient era, he leads the guests who have lost their time to the modern Pakistani suburbs.

Like any major municipality, the metropolis consists of two parts. One is his advertising cover. This is Rome, walks through the eternal city, which are usually described in the pages of booklets. His philistine side is by no means so attractive. Only a few kilometers is required for polished streets to turn into dirty and forgotten favelas.

Variegated souvenir shops, as if by magic, are replaced by scrawled fruit trays and grocery stores. Behind the carved turrets of the basilica, he hides the painted graffiti bridges, broken sidewalks, gypsy areas and local crazy people. And let romantics call Rome an eternal city, yet this is a very poor European metropolis.

For the sake of justice it is worth noting that the local carabineers know their work. They need only a few minutes to eliminate the newcomer from the "dark" side of the non-tourist outskirts.